Extreme forehand grip, hammer or pistol

I usually hit with an extreme for hand grip and by that I mean the Western grip and variants lying between Western and Semi Western. I find that if I spread my index finger out for these kind of grips my outstretched index finger can't really feel comfortable, and also I can't seem to hit through the ball as well as I can compared to when my fingers are close together. Is it common for extreme grip users to hit without spreading out the index finger?

I usually hit with an extreme for hand grip and by that I mean the Western grip and variants lying between Western and Semi Western. I find that if I use a pistol grip for these kind of grips my outstretched index finger can't really feel comfortable, and also I can't seem to hit through the ball as well as I can with a hammer grip. Is it common for extreme grip users to use the hammer grip?

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Pistol Grip?

Hammer Grip?

Please use correct terminology, so we can better answer the question. I will tell you that you should NEVER use any grip where you're finger is extended.

Generally, players use one grip on the forehand, which for you sounds like is a western grip. On occasion, if you have to half-volley a deep ball back in the court, or you are in an awkward position, you might shift your grip so it's slightly less extreme (or more eastern). Correspondingly, if your natural grip is a little less extreme, you might shift it closer to a semi-western grip for higher balls.

On serves, volleys and slices (both approaches and when you're on the run and trying to stay in the point) you will use a continental grip.

What I mean is if the index finger should be outstretched for an extreme forehand grip (Extreme semi-western or Western) which I find hard to do. By gripping the racquet with your index finger outstretched, you are using a PISTOL grip, because your index finger and thumb forms a V like a pistol. By putting your fingers close together like holding a hammer, you are using a hammer grip. Sorry if I did not make myself clear.

I think the choice between hammer versus pistol style grip comes down to personal preference.
I hit a western forehand utilizing the pistol grip and hit a strong eastern one-handed backhand utilizing a hammer grip. I tried switching to a hammer type grip on my forehand wing to facilitate faster grip changes between forehand & backhand wings but found that I lost a bit of control and touch on my forehand when using a hammer type grip. Also, I find that the pistol grip (forehand) allowed me to extend more through my stroke.

The 2 grips change the angle of the racket in relation to your strike zone. The racket is in a different angle in your hand. If you stick your ARM out in the spot where you hit he ball one grip will be slightly behind the other slightly. The pistol will be ahead by a small amount.
I prefer the pistol on fh and bh . It seems easier to hit down the line on the run with it. Because it contacts the ball slightly earlier that way for my swing compared to the hammer with same swing.

Personally I use a SW grip, but I cant use a hammer grip. I've always used a pistol grip because it's the most natural feel. I could see the benefits of a hammer grip on more western styled grips though.

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I just wanted to say something about my experience with these grips.

I've played for about 11-12 years, but stopped playing for the last 4-5 years until about 6 months ago. I've recently switched to a heavier closed pattern "players"-type racket. Since then I've been struggling to find my swing again (or perhaps struggling to find a proper swing for the first time) and have had issues with balls going long.

Suddenly, my balls started dropping into the court like they used to with my light weight, open pattern racket. I was even hitting passing shots and angles that were bouncing off the outside edges of the service boxes, when before I was struggling to keep hits inside the baseline and had lost my confidence to try to hit any real angles.

I'm sure it's not a miracle cure to finding topspin with the new racket, but it was definitely something different and I'll be experimenting some more, but it was pretty encouraging that I'm getting closer to finding my swing again.

I usually hit with an extreme for hand grip and by that I mean the Western grip and variants lying between Western and Semi Western. I find that if I spread my index finger out for these kind of grips my outstretched index finger can't really feel comfortable, and also I can't seem to hit through the ball as well as I can compared to when my fingers are close together. Is it common for extreme grip users to hit without spreading out the index finger?

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Spreading your grip out over the hande is going to give you a little more control over the racquet, but, it will also tend to inhibit pronation and wrist release. So, more power = hammer grip. More control = spread grip.

I usually hit with an extreme for hand grip and by that I mean the Western grip and variants lying between Western and Semi Western. I find that if I spread my index finger out for these kind of grips my outstretched index finger can't really feel comfortable, and also I can't seem to hit through the ball as well as I can compared to when my fingers are close together. Is it common for extreme grip users to hit without spreading out the index finger?

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i think the pistol is better, your contact point is further away from you. however, djokovic uses a hammer.

Either, whatever works for you.
Power, control, accuracy, replicability.
Spread fingers tend to lock the wrist, not good, not bad.
Bunched fingers tend to allow the wrist to turn over, not bad, not good.
Depends what works the best for you.